Candidate Hui Tour to Molokai

‘Onipa‘a 2022 News Release 

‘Onipa‘a 2022, a hui that unites Council candidates Noelani Ahia, Nara Boone, Jordan Hocker, Gabe Johnson, Robin Knox, Tamara Paltin, Keani Rawlins-Fernandez, and Shane Sinenci, announced the launch of their district tour. The Molokai event will be on Oct. 27 at 11:30 a.m. at the Molokai Canoe Club.

‘Onipa‘a 2022, is a people’s movement, arising out of a decade of grassroots organizing, acknowledging hard-fought advancements that could be lost this election without voter participation.

Two years ago, for the first time in Maui County history, the Council gained a progressive majority of five members, which resulted in extensive legislation to manage tourism and reduce vacation rentals,  promote long-term, affordable housing opportunities for residents, create a department of agriculture to increase food security, address climate change and sea level rise impacts, care for our unsheltered ‘ohana, fund farmers’ microgrants and promote local businesses, increase transparency and accessibility by transitioning Council meetings online, and more. 

The majority was also successful in approving numerous charter amendment proposals for voter consideration this year, including the establishment of community water authorities to return control of our public trust resource from privatization.

“‘Onipa‘a, to be steadfast in the pursuit of justice, regardless of the gale force winds that try to uproot us, we remain grounded in our kuleana to our home,” said Rawlins-Fernandez, who is running for re-election as the Molokai residency area councilmember. “This candidate collaboration is unprecedented and was inspired by our community demonstrating how powerful our voices are when used as one.”

Maui County’s people-powered movements effectively instituted a community-guided Council. In response, outside interests have ramped up misinformation campaigns to influence election results favoring corporate control. To combat this, the eight candidate committees have teamed up to maximize community reach.

“Special interest groups and the influx of dark money toward our opponents’ campaigns often adversely affect our community,” said Knox, South Maui residency area candidate, who pledged to decline corporate donations that have eroded trust in government. “By creating this hui, we have been able to run more robust campaigns, limiting cost as a barrier.”

Events are free and open to the public. At each event, the documentary “We are ‘Onipa‘a 2022,” will be screened. Music, food and non-alcoholic beverages provided. 

For more information, please visit voteonipaa.com or email VoteOnipaa@gmail.com.